These minutes are in compliance with Senate and House Rules. Only text enclosed in quotation marks reports a speaker’s exact words. For complete contents, please refer to the tapes.

TAPE/#

Speaker

Comments

TAPE 118, A

003

Chair Brown

Calls the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. Opens the work session on 2383.

HB 2383 – WORK SESSION

006

Janet Adkins

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 2383. States that the public hearing for HB 2383 occurred on April 4, 2005.

017

Rep. Donna Nelson

House District 24. Speaks in support of HB 2383. Mentions other states that have enacted competitive bidding processes. Outlines the savings that have occurred in other states. Notes that Oregon’s government could fund social services for senior citizens with all the money that would be saved if a competitive bidding process was enacted for all state contracts.

088

Rep. Kitts

MOTION: Moves HB 2383 to the floor with a DO PASS recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Ways and Means.

093

Rep. Schaufler

Speaks against HB 2383 with a do pass recommendation.

097

Rep. Shields

Speaks against HB 2383 with a do pass recommendation.

099

Rep. Holvey

Speaks against HB 2383 with a do pass recommendation.

103

VOTE: 4-3-0

AYE: 4 - Esquivel, Gilman, Kitts, Brown

NAY: 3 - Holvey, Schaufler, Shields

Chair Brown

The motion CARRIES.

111

Chair Brown

Closes the work session on HB 2383. Opens a work session on HB 3363.

HB 3363 – WORK SESSION

116

Janet Adkins

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 3363 and submits the -1 and -2 amendments (EXHIBIT A and B).

130

Rep. Dingfelder

House District 45. Speaks in support of HB 3363 and the -1 amendments. States that the enforcement section of the bill has been taken out to ensure that there is no fiscal impact for the Department of Energy. Notes that enforcement will occur through the Attorney General’s Office. Discusses the appliances and gadgets that were taken out of HB 3363. Notes how washers and dryers will be affected by HB 3363 and talks about how the bill will allow for them to be refurbished.

175

Rep. Dingfelder

Indicates that since it has no fiscal impact, they would like the referral to the Ways and Means Committee to be removed.

180

Mike Grainey

Department of Energy. Speaks in support of HB 3363 and the -1 amendments. Talks about the how the -1 amendments removes the rule making authority that was given to the Department of Energy.

195

Chair Brown

Asks if Rep. Dingfelder and Mr. Grainey have seen the -2 amendments.

197

Rep. Dingfelder

States that she has not seen them.

205

Rep. Schaufler

Commends Rep. Dingfelder for her flexibility. Asks if Rep. Dingfelder has looked at the -2 amendments.

210

Rep. Dingfelder

States that she has not seen the -2 amendments.

213

Rep. Schaufler

Asks if Rep. Dingfelder is comfortable adopting the -2 amendments.

215

Rep. Dingfelder

Indicates that the -2 amendments are not necessary based on her discussions with the interested party.

224

Fred VaNatta

Multi-Family Housing Laundry Association. Talks about how they have gotten a list of commercial washing machines and says that there are some machines that meet the specifications of 3363. Indicates that they have been ensured by the proponents that subsequent modification is allowed. Believes that the -2 amendments are unnecessary if the Department of Energy confirms that washing machines can be modified to do heavy duty work.

271

Grainey

Confirms that it is the position of the Department of Energy.

274

Jeff Bessonette

Citizen Utility Board. Speaks in support of the HB 3363 and the -1 amendments.

283

David C. Hewitt

Northwest Energy Efficiency Council. Submits and reads of written testimony in support of HB 3363 (EXHIBIT C). References the summary of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (EXHIBIT C, Page 3 – 6). Talks about how HB 3363 will cause few problems for businesses.

325

VaNatta

States that sections 10 and 11 were the sections that dealt with enforcement.

330

Rep. Esquivel

MOTION: Moves to ADOPT HB 3363-1 amendments dated 05/06/05.

333

VOTE: 7-0-0

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

340

Rep. Esquivel

MOTION: Moves HB 3363 with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Ways and Means.

347

VOTE: 7-0-0

AYE: In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

Chair Brown

The motion CARRIES.

364

Chair Brown

Closes the work session on HB 3363. Opens the work session on HB 2060.

Wants a representative from one of the interested parties to voice support for HB 2060 and the -1 amendments.

405

Inga Nelson

American Federation of Teachers – Oregon. Says that it is being worked at, but at this point they are not happy with HB 2060 and the -1 amendments.

415

Lori Sattenspiel

Oregon Community College Association. Notes that she has been working with the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) to address the part-time employment issue. States that this issue will be addressed in another PERS bill.

TAPE 119, A

006

Rep. Esquivel

Believes that the interested groups had an agreement on HB 2060.

008

Nelson

States that the agreement was on the definition for part-time employment.

012

Rep. Esquivel

MOTION: Moves to ADOPT HB 2060-1 amendments dated 04/21/05.

015

VOTE: 6-0-1

EXCUSED: 1 – Gilman

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

017

Rep. Esquivel

MOTION: Moves HB 2060 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation.

020

Rep. Schaufler

Speaks in opposition to HB 2060.

023

Rep. Shields

Speaks in support of HB 2060. States that he has reservations but has faith that it can be fixed on the Senate side.

027

Rep. Holvey

Speaks in opposition to HB 2060. Talks about the concerns that the groups involved have and believes that community colleges are on different pages.

034

Rep. Esquivel

States that the part-time employment issue has to do with the way PERS is calculating part-time employment for instructors. Talks about how some fixes need to be made on the Senate side but says that they will be fixed.

042

Chair Brown

Speaks in support of HB 2060. Believes that this bill is needed to make community colleges in the state competitive with other states.

046

Rep. Holvey

States that he will be voting in favor and urges groups to come to an agreement.

050

VOTE: 6-1-0

AYE: 6 - Esquivel, Gilman, Holvey, Kitts, Shields, Brown

NAY: 1 - Schaufler

Chair Brown

The motion CARRIES.

060

Chair Brown

Closes the work session on HB 2060. Opens the public hearing on HB 3240.

House District 25. Speaks in support of HB 3240 and the -2 amendments.

096

Davis I Dyer

Citizen, Keizer. Submits and summarizes written testimony in support of HB 3240 (EXHIBIT E). Explains the origins of the words non-religious charity. Notes that non-religious charity is not defined in statute. Indicates that the Secretary of State maintains a database of nonprofits and the employee can redirect their union fees to one of those charities. Says that HB 3240 does not offer additional incentives for someone not to pay union dues.

153

Adkins

Points out that religious corporations will not be able to receive the union dues.

161

Doug VandeGriend

Attorney and Former President, Public Justice Advocates. Speaks in support of HB 3240. Talks about the current law in relationship to current non-profits. Says that the problem with Mr. Dyer’s case was that the union tested to see how religious the non-profit was.

211

VandeGriend

States that litigation has occurred over the issue of unions determining whether an organization is a religious organization.

242

Tricia Smith

Oregon School Employees Association. Speaks in support of HB 3240 with the -2 amendments. Believes that the clarification HB 3240 provides will make it easier for people to donate their union dues to nonprofits.

255

Mary Botkin

American Federation of State and Municipal Employees (AFSME). Speaks in support of HB 3240 with the -2 amendments. States that their accounting department generally does not know where the money goes. Says that AFSME does not intervene in the process because not very many people have the exemption.

279

Joe Schaeffer

SEIU Local 503. Speaks in support of HB 3240 with the -2 amendments. States that they are comfortable with the amendments.

290

Chair Brown

Closes the public hearing on HB 3240 and opens the work session on HB 3240.

HB 3240 – WORK SESSION

300

Rep. Esquivel

MOTION: Moves to ADOPT HB 3240-2 amendments dated 04/14/05.

306

VOTE: 7-0-0

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

306

Rep. Esquivel

MOTION: Moves HB 3240 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation.

307

Rep. Schaufler

Speaks in support of HB 3240. States that philosophically he has a problem with the redirection of individual’s union fees when the employee is directly benefiting from others union fees.

330

VOTE: 7-0-0

AYE: In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

Chair Brown

The motion CARRIES.

337

Rep. Kitts

MOTION: Moves HB 3240 be placed on the CONSENT CALENDAR.

339

VOTE: 7-0-0

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

340

Chair Brown

Closes the work session on HB 3240. Opens a public hearing on HB 3253.

House District 38. Speaks in support of HB 3253 and submits an informational handout (EXHIBIT G). States that privileges granted to Limited Liability Corporations (LLC) are extremely valuable. Notes that the privilege comes from the legal system.

TAPE 118, B

001

Rep. Macpherson

References the informational chart and talks about the fees associated with forming different types of businesses (EXHIBIT G). States that forming an LLC saves companies money, because they do not have to buy liability insurance. Says that the minimum corporate tax in California is $800 and notes that it is paid when a company is an LLC. Indicates that Oregon allows companies to be an LLC for less money than surrounding states.

050

Rep. Macpherson

States that the $100 annual LLC fee would create a stream of revenue for the Department of Justice. Notes the financial difficulties that the Oregon Court System has undergone recently. Indicates that businesses rely on the state to enforce the laws that protect businesses. Explains the -1 amendments.

097

Rep. Shields

Asks if S Corporations pay a minimum corporate tax.

100

Rep. Macpherson

Does not know.

108

Kingsley Click

State Court Administrator, Judicial Department. Submits an informational packet and speaks in support of HB 3253 (EXHIBIT H).

118

Robert Selander

By phone. Judge, Clackamas. Outlines the problems that occur within the Court System. Discusses the inadequacies of court houses. Mentions the fatal shooting that occurred at the courthouse due to lack of security and poor building design.

191

Dale Koch

Presiding Judge, Multnomah County. Speaks in support of HB 3253 and submits a graph of the average age of a courthouses in Oregon (EXHIBIT I). States that the average age of courthouses in Oregon is 71. Talks about how the courthouses can not meet the needs of the public and no room exists for expansion. Talks about a judge that has an office suite with no security. Notes that the Multnomah Courthouse is one of the buildings that is danger of collapsing if an earthquake hits Portland.

240

Koch

Indicates that there are more structural deficiencies, such as sewage flowing in the basement and destroying computer equipment. Outlines security issues in the courthouse. Says that there have been over 20 studies done that say that there needs to be a new building.

296

Rep. Schaufler

Appreciates the situation that the Multnomah County Courthouses are experiencing. Says that this state has convinced itself that no new taxes should exist and that services should continue. States that Oregon has not built new industries or used its natural resources.

Speaks in support of HB 3253. Believes that LLCs pay little into the state and says that they do use the court system. Likes that the fee is given a direct use and says that the fee will provide construction jobs.

415

Chair Brown

Says that the courthouses have aged. States that they are not able to handle the increased population.

TAPE 119, B

009

Paul Snider

Association of Oregon Counties. Notes that since the late 1990s the court system has had funding difficulties. Talks about the federal law that will expire in 2006 that provides a safety net for counties that rely on timber harvests. Talks about the improvements to the hearing rooms at the capitol. States that some courts have similar video cameras and talks about how this saves the courts money.

060

Snider

Believes that many courts only need a one time payment and it can be funded through HB 3253. States that they will have a position on HB 3253 by Monday

105

Chair Brown

Moves the full committee to a subcommittee.

108

Don Schellenberg

Oregon Farm Bureau. Submits written testimony in opposition to HB 3253 (EXHIBIT J). Says that the flat fee is imposed on all businesses regardless of the company’s size and is unfair. Notes that farmers stay away from the court system as much as possible.

139

Joe Schweinhart

Associated Oregon Industries. Speaks in opposition to HB 3253. Says that voters rejected imposing higher taxes on businesses. Asserts that HB 3253 is another way to raise taxes through fees.

153

Rep. Schaufler

States that the vote on Measure 30 was clear. Asks when Oregonians will find a right way to fund government programs.

174

Schweinhart

Says that there was an agreement on the budget. Believes that Oregon needs to move forward in terms of industry and encourage economic growth as a way to generate funds for government agencies.

184

Chair Brown

Talks about a general obligation bond measure that was on the ballot six times before it passed, and after the bond passed, the county built a new courthouse.

199

Peter Threlkel

Secretary of States Office. Speaks in opposition to HB 3253. States that if the bill passes they would have to charge them $150 to dissolve a LLC. Wants the committee to waiver or reduce the fee if HB 3253 passes. Notes that 150,000 businesses will be affected.

233

Chair Brown

Closes the public hearing on HB 3253 and opens the work session on HB 2958.

Oregon Cable Telecommunications Association. Talks about how telecommunication projects are not eligible to the public works fund and that it does need to be included in HB 3026.

TAPE 120, A

001

Dewey

Talks about the telecommunication system that Ashland is considering selling. Mentions the telecommunication system in Monmouth. Wants the state to look at the appropriateness of the program and its affects on private businesses. States that private businesses pay property and income taxes in the state.

042

Rep. Schaufler

Notes the impact on private businesses and the liability that is assumed by the local governments when they build public telecommunication systems. Asks what will happen if Ashland cannot sell the system and who will pay for the loan. Speaks in support of HB 3026 and the -1 amendments.

063

Rep. Shields

Asks what the contentious bill was dealing with telecommunication companies.

065

Adkins

Says it was HB 2445.

067

Dewey

States that there needs to be a little more scrutiny of telecommunication projects.

Believes that he does not see the -1 amendments that way. Wants people to explore what services are already available.

096

Chair Brown

Asks if the public works funds are lottery dollars. Talks about the intent to develop rural facilities. States that, even in rural communities, there needs to be careful consideration of using the funds for telecommunication networks.

104

Dewey

States that the funds are lottery dollars.

110

Rep. Holvey

Asks how much money from the lottery industry is going into the funds.

112

Dewey

States that he does not know.

124

Mike Salzer

Oregon Economic and Community Development (OECD). Says that cities are already required to submit a resolution that shows that there is no private or for-profit entity that could provide the same service when applying for funds. States that their policy and that of the Governor has been not to compete with private businesses. Notes that Oregon is one of the most wired states in the nation. Indicates that they are not interested in competing with the private sector and the fund is available for public entities that do not have access to private telecommunication systems.

154

Chair Brown

Asks if the OECD has placed fiber optic infrastructure within telecommunication infrastructure.

158

Salzer

Believes that it is not excluded in statute. Says that OECD has entertained applications to do it.

164

Rep. Holvey

Asks how much money goes into the special public works out of the lottery dollars.

169

Salzer

Believes that it is about $22 million and says that he will get the exact information for Rep. Holvey.

174

Rep. Shields

Asks if OECD has seen the -1 amendments.

177

Salzer

States that the language is not opposed by OECD.

179

Rep. Shields

Asks if a private company could say that the situation was not fully evaluated and sue OECD.

187

Salzer

Notes that OECD has not examined that possibility.

189

Rep. Shields

Asks clarifying question.

191

Salzer

States that the analysis on the situation has not been done.

194

Dewey

Believes that a company would not move forward with litigation.

213

Chair Brown

Closes the public hearing on HB 3026. Opens the work session on HB 3026.

HB 3026 – WORK SESSION

216

Rep. Kitts

MOTION: Moves to ADOPT HB 3026-1 amendments dated 05/06/05.

218

VOTE: 6-0-1

EXCUSED: 1 - Esquivel

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

319

Rep. Kitts

MOTION: Moves HB 3026 with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Rules.

326

VOTE: 6-0-1

EXCUSED: 1 - Esquivel

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

335

Chair Brown

Closes the work session on HB 3026. Opens the public hearing on HB 3438.

HB 3438 – PUBLIC HEARING

338

Janet Adkins

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 3438.

250

Rep. Kitts

Asks if we can just move it to rules.

254

Chair Brown

Closes the public hearing on HB 3438. Opens work session on HB 3438.

HB 3438 – WORK SESSION

257

Rep. Kitts

MOTION: Moves HB 3438 with a DO PASS recommendation and the SUBSEQUENT REFERRAL to the committee on Ways and Means BE RESCINDED and BE REFERRED to the committee on Rules.

Oregon Landscape Contractors Association. Submits written testimony in support of HB 2391 (EXHIBIT T). Notes that HB 2391 addresses consumer and environmental protection involving landscape maintenance. Talks about how a security bond would be required by landscape maintenance companies. States that it parallels the requirements for landscape contractors.

409

Rep. Schaufler

Asks if people in the industry are comfortable with the fee structure and the certification process.

411

Cross

States that a survey of the industry shows that a majority of landscape contractors and maintenance workers want the program in place.

TAPE 121, A

001

Cross

Notes that, although no one enjoys paying a fee, the industry is willing to pay in order to find a solution. Details the cost of HB 2391 for landscape maintenance workers.

018

Rep. Kitts

References document and shares concerns about Section 22 (A). States that no need exists for the section unless you raise what landscape contractors are required to do. Says that he will seek an amendment to narrow the language.

041

Cross

Indicates that they were thinking along the lines of educating them about rule changes.

049

Rep. Kitts

Asks about legislative oversight and sunset amendments. Notes that he does not want to make the test cumbersome.

068

Mike Snyder

Administrator, Landscape Contractors Board. Submits written testimony that is neutral on HB 2391 (EXHIBIT U). Gives history of HB 2391.

081

Patrick Allen

Office of Regulatory Streamlining. Talks about the process that agencies that wanted new regulations and permits underwent with the Office of Regulatory Streamlining. States that costs are being imposed on the industry that range from $700 to $900 annually. Believes that they are passing increased costs onto consumers and refers to the fiscal statement. Notes that he investigated who is complaining about the services and states that he could not find a significant level of complaints. Says that Better Business Bureau had received 75 complaints against landscape maintenance companies over the last three years.

123

Rep. Kitts

Asks if consumer liability exists without HB 2391 in place. Says that people put a lot of money into the maintenance of their landscape.

144

Allen

Says that there is a risk for consumers but says that not all industries where there is an area have licensing and insurance requirements.

153

Rep. Kitts

Asks how many complaints have to be filed before there is a pattern.

158

Allen

States that many complaints can be taken care of through other government agencies’ licensing requirements. Emphasizes that he is not persuaded that there is a problem.

173

Rep. Kitts

States that the people that are working on cars are certified mechanics.

177

Allen

Says that mechanic certification is done by private industry. Believes that the private sector may be able to regulate the landscaping maintenance industry.

180

Rep. Kitts

Asks if Mr. Allen supports forming a business that would regulate landscape maintenance companies.

186

Allen

Believes that a role does not exist for him to support or oppose what an industry wants to do privately in that area.

192

Chair Brown

Closes the public hearing on HB 2391. Opens the work session on HB 2391

HB 2391 – WORK SESSION

200

Rep. Kitts

MOTION: Moves HB 2391 with a NO recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Ways and Means by prior reference.

Department of Consumer and Business Services. Takes a neutral position on HB 2408 and the -1 amendments. Talks about different types of workers compensation benefits for workers with permanent total or partial disability. States that HB 2408 with the -1 amendment changes how permanent partial disability is determined and includes sunsets for the policy changes.

Says that MLAC has approved HB 2408. States that a person did get a certain amount of money per degree in the old law.

311

Adkins

Asks if the language regarding the calculation of loss of limb is changing in HB 2408.

318

Shilts

States that it is the old law that would come back into affect if the Legislature decides to repeal the sunset clauses.

363

Lisa Trussell

Associated Oregon Industries and MLAC. Speaks in support of HB 2408. Emphasizes that the changes are relatively simple. Says that the intent of the law is to give higher awards to someone who are unable to return to work than someone who is able to return to work. Believes that the sunsets will be eliminated once data has been collected on the actual fiscal impact of HB 2408.

National Electrical Contractors Association. Speaks in support of HB 2303 and the -2 amendments. Talks about electrical product certification. Notes that HB 2303 will create a system in which the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) only regulates electrical products that are a part of the construction.

063

Bill Cross

Oregon Building Officials Association. Submits and summarizes written testimony in support of HB 2303 (EXHIBIT Y). Adds that HB 2303 will create conformity with the Low-Rise Residential Code.

068

John Killin

Independent Electrical Contractors of Oregon. Speaks in support of HB 2303.

074

Rep. Holvey

Speaks in support of HB 2303.

078

Chair Brown

Closes the public hearing on HB 2303 and opens the work session on HB 2303.

HB 2303 – WORK SESSION

082

Rep. Esquivel

MOTION: Moves to ADOPT HB 2303-2 amendments dated 05/06/05.

088

VOTE: 4-0-3

EXCUSED: 3 - Gilman, Kitts, Schaufler

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

089

Rep. Esquivel

MOTION: Moves HB 2303 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation.

092

VOTE: 6-0-1

AYE: In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

EXCUSED: 1 - Schaufler

Chair Brown

The motion CARRIES.

099

Rep. Gilman

MOTION: Moves HB 2303 be placed on the CONSENT CALENDAR.

101

VOTE: 6-0-1

EXCUSED: 1 - Schaufler

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

103

Chair Brown

Closes the work session on HB 2303. Opens the work session on HB 2391 for the purpose of allowing Rep. Shields to vote.

HB 2391 – WORK SESSION

107

Rep. Kitts

MOTION: Requests unanimous consent that the rules be SUSPENDED to allow REP. SHIELDS to BE RECORDED as voting AYE on the motion to move HB 2391 with a NO recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Ways and Means by prior reference.

110

VOTE: 6-0-1

EXCUSED: 1 – Schaufler

(NOTE: Please see page 11, tape 121, A, of this tape log for the original vote.)

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

111

Chair Brown

Closes the work session on HB 2391 for the purpose of allowing Rep. Shields to vote. Opens the work session on HB 2408 for the purpose of allowing Rep. Gilman and Rep. Kitts to vote.

HB 2408 – WORK SESSION

112

Rep. Shields

MOTION: Requests unanimous consent that the rules be SUSPENDED to allow REP. GILMAN and REP. KITTS to BE RECORDED as voting AYE on the motion to moves HB 2408 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation and be placed on the CONSENT CALENDAR.

113

VOTE: 6-0-1

EXCUSED: 1 – Schaufler

(NOTE: Please see tape 120, A, page 12, of this tape log for the original vote.)

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

122

Chair Brown

Closesthe work session on HB 2408 for the purpose of allowing Rep. Gilman and Rep. Kitts to vote. Opens the public hearing on HB 2596.

HB 2596 – PUBLIC HEARING

Janet Adkins

Committee Administrator. Submits the -3 amendments (EXHIBIT AA).

122

Jerod Broadfoot

National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 48. Speaks in support of HB 2596. Notes that, for the last 20 to 30 years, electricians have been able to design and install non-complex electrical installations. Says that several months ago the Attorney General ruled that only engineers could design, plan, and layout.

148

Rep. Kitts

Asks what is meant by “never has been the case”.

151

Broadfoot

States that in current statute electricians have an exemption to any other part of statue. Notes that journeyman electricians have been complying with statute when designing and laying out non-complex electrical installations.

155

Rep. Kitts

Asks if electricians have been violating Oregon statute.

157

Broadfoot

Asserts that the electricians have not been in violation of the law prior to the Attorney General’s ruling.

163

Rep. Kitts

Asks if the Attorney General’s interpretation of the law is correct.

166

Broadfoot

Notes that, after the subsequent enforcement of the Attorney General’s opinion, the electricians sought the opinion of the Building Codes Division. Indicates that, when the Building Codes Division went to the Attorney General, they were told that electricians were “probably” ok designing and laying out non-complex electrical systems.

182

Rep. Kitts

Asks if HB 2596 would allow electricians to continue current practice in the field.

184

Chair Brown

Moves to a subcommittee.

185

Broadfoot

Says that the -3 amendments would keep the status quo and clarify the statutes. Notes that noncomplex electrical installations should not require plan review. Indicates that electricians will be put out of work if they have to go to engineers to review non-complex electrical installations.

241

Tim Nickel

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Speaks in support of HB 2596.

243

Chair Brown

Welcomes Rep. Shields and Rep. Kitts back and moves the subcommittee to a full committee.

246

John Killin

Independent Electrical Contractors of Oregon. Speaks in support of HB 2596. States that it was a major change in policy to have engineers review non-complex electrical plans. Gives examples.

277

Broadfoot

States that they will be committed to have the engineers in the rule-making process in the review committee that determines what kinds of work is exempt.

294

Stuart Albright

Geotechnical and Environmental Engineer, Ash Creek Associates, Beaverton. States that the Attorney General’s opinion had to do with the sprinkler heads and says that the clarification was only for sprinkler heads. Believes that the electrical contractors should have come to Oregon State Board of Engineering Examiners to resolve the issue. Says that HB 2596 is extremely broad. Believes at a bare minimum the engineers should provide input about what is and what is not engineering.

States that the word “design” complicates who is supposed to design electrical projects.

009

Jennings Ruffin

Electrical Engineer and Contractor. Speaks in opposition to HB 2596. Believes that electricians designing electrical systems are not in the public’s best interest. Gives history of exemption for non-complex projects for electricians. Gives example of bad electrical design and installation.

052

Rep. Kitts

Asks if the exemption only applies to union shops.

057

Ruffins

States that in his opinion union shops train their electricians better. Continues story. Believes that the exemption for electrical engineers needs to be more specific and not broader.

082

Rep. Kitts

Asks if HB 2596 is allowing electricians to continue what they have been doing since the 1970s.

084

Wirfs

States that the Attorney General’s was only for fire sprinkler systems and that HB 2596 is much broader.

093

Chair Brown

Closes the public hearing on HB 2596 and opens the work session on HB 3438 for the purpose of allowing Rep. Holvey to vote.

HB 3438 – WORK SESSION

095

Rep. Gilman

MOTION: Requests unanimous consent that the rules be SUSPENDED to allow REP. HOLVEY to BE RECORDED as voting AYE on the motion to move HB 3438 to the floor with a DO PASS recommendation and the SUBSEQUENT REFERRAL to the committee on Ways and Means BE RESCINDED and BE REFERRED to the committee on Rules.

098

VOTE: 4-0-3

EXCUSED: 3 - Esquivel, Schaufler, Shields

(NOTE: Please see page 10, tape 120, A, of this tape log for the original vote.)

Chair Brown

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

102

Chair Brown

Closes the work session on HB 3438 for the purpose of allowing Rep. Holvey to vote. Adjourns the meeting at 1:00 p.m.